Human beings are capable of developing a close connection with the nature that surrounds them and the animals with which they interact, a magical bond of mutual understanding and understanding that enriches both parties. Respect for animals should be a universal value but unfortunately it is not; Even so, there are many people who feel a deep affection and a great admiration for these beings.
This appreciation of the animal world can become art due to the need to forever capture the beauty of a free spirit, to portray the qualities of a personality that does not obey the same rules as us. It is infinite what one can find in wildlife that deserves to be portrayed in its maximum splendor.
That is what this award-winning Brazilian photographer does, who transferred his love for horses to a creative process to immortalize us and turn it into a profession.
This 33-year-old artist is called Antonio Jose Oliver Menes Nero and is known professionally as Tony Menes. He is originally from Titanium, Bahia, Brazil and grew up on his grandfather’s farm. Currently, he resides in Mace, Goals.
More information at: Website | Instagram | Youtube
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Tony Mendes studied nursing but soon after graduating he knew that his path was different.
A fan of photography and horses, this combination was destined to merge. Growing up on a farm, he learned to ride horses and drive cattle; at the age of five he already knew the names of all the breeds. He had two quarters of a mile and thanks to his desire to photograph them, he bought a camera to learn. Being familiar with this animal, the process of evolution in photography was fast.
This hobby did not take long to become a profession; Within a year, he began taking photography assignments while continuing to work for his grandfather on the farm, allowing him to balance both jobs. In 2016 he was encouraged to launch himself as a full-time photographer. He has been behind the camera for 10 years.
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In 2018 it was when he was encouraged to enter contests. Unfortunately, for a couple of years it did not have the expected result. This, instead of demotivating him, encouraged him to continue growing professionally and dedicate himself to studying new techniques. “I started to bring a whole studio setup with me to my work, and I tried different lighting techniques, angles and composition,” he said. “I started doing something different from the conventional. At the end of 2019 I won my first photography prize. Since then, I have been awarded with 27 photos in different countries”. Tony highlights his first prize, which was being the protagonist of a cover of the Chilenera magazine in Chile and having been invited to exhibit in Spain.
The horse has been an animal that has accompanied humans for thousands of years, fulfilling an important role as a means of transportation or for military uses, etc. Today, they are also linked to sport. They are very sensitive and sensitive beings and it’s something that Tony, growing up with them, knows. “Throughout all these years of photographing horses, I have learned that when you have respect, affection and patience, you can create a trusting connection.
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They are very intelligent and sensitive beings who notice even our mood swings,” he declared. “My goal is to show people with an artistic look how much they love and respect horses, trying to break the prejudices that still exist about equestrian sports in the world.” part of some people.” The photographer tries to make his work a declaration of respect for this animal.
But Tony discovers how unpredictable it can be to deal with an animal for this task, not understanding what the man expects of him. With experience he has begun to implement tricks to get the attention of his models: using soundboards to replicate the “neigh”, the flash of light reflected in a mirror and the sound of a horn. According to him, he has learned to cope with each difficulty as the moment required. His work has attracted a large clientele, for whom he has perfected his editing and review tools and processes.
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The images he captures are strong, penetrating and evoke that wild spirit that every horse carries in the genes, while at the same time giving us a feeling of closeness with an old friend. Tony has commented that one of his favorite photographs is titled “Horse Soul”, where a majestic black horse, on a background of the same color, returns our gaze and makes us feel his strength. “I was teaching lighting techniques to the students in my workshop and I managed to capture this photo. I kept it for almost six months until I decided to enter a contest. It was awarded in three different categories, ”he commented.
He also highlighted a black-and-white photo of a white horse galloping head-on which gave it the title “Rolex” and it is a photo he obtained by chance. “I photographed the horse as he came up a hill towards me; he was a very strong horse, and the photo was impressive. It will hardly be repeated. This photo also received three awards.”
Continuing with the work he does, he recounted a moment of great happiness for him when he sent some photos that he had been commissioned for a cover with very specific specifications. They needed a photo of a stallion, Tony tried some techniques he hadn’t used before and taking the risk paid off as the photos were accepted.
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In addition, he has come to find special moments in nature. Like when, in the middle of a photo shoot for a client, a mare and his colt stood in front of him and looked as if they were waiting to be photographed. This chance moment called “Yegua y Potro” was a finalist in a contest.
For this photographer, the support of the people is very important. “The reaction of the people is incredible,” he said. “I receive many messages of congratulations and encouragement. Seeing that there are people who love me very much, who are happy when I reply to their messages, is very gratifying.”
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Tony spends his time traveling around Brazil where he captures photos of different breeds, including his beloved American Quarter Horse. You can see his work on his Instagram account, on his website where he sells prints, and is currently working on the production of a photography book in North America and Europe. In addition, he is dedicated to giving annual photography workshops.
What do you think of Tony’s work, dear pandas? Which of his photos caught your attention the most? Don’t forget to vote for your favorites and leave your comments below! And, if you’re a photography lover and want to see more amazing images, check out these past Curious Panda articles here, here, and here.
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